OTS-IRES
Research opportunity for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students
International Research Experience for Graduate Students
 Funds for Palo Verde research through April 30, 2010 (program end date)
 Applications accepted on a rolling basis Fall 2009/Winter 2010
 Tropical Dry Forest Ecology, Wetland Restoration and Water Resource Management
at Palo Verde Biological Station, Costa Rica 

Flyer Version( 358 kb )

With funding from the National Science Foundation, the Organization for Tropical Studies International Research Experiences for Graduate Students (OTS-IRES) program provides a unique, intensive opportunity for field research to graduate students from throughout the United States.

The Program

The OTS-IRES program is designed for graduate students in biology or related fields interested in conducting field research under the supervision of experienced tropical wetland and tropical dry forest ecologists from Costa Rica. The students will be fully funded to participate in a ten-week research program at Palo Verde Biological Station in the Tempisque lowlands of Costa Rica. Working in close coordination with their Advisor and Costa Rican mentors, students will design, conduct, and analyze a field research project at Palo Verde, and provide a formal presentation of results at the end of the 10 week program. The program will provide students with a first-hand look at the challenges and rewards of research on wetland restoration and water resource management.

Program prerequisites

U.S. citizens who are graduate students enrolled in a M.Sc. or Ph.D. program in colleges and universities from throughout the United States will be eligible to participate in the program. Undergraduate, freshmen and graduating seniors ARE NOT eligible. OTS will target graduate students in the early stages of their graduate career, looking to embark upon dissertation research, or an advanced student looking for a short-term international experience in tropical wetlandand tropical dry forest research.

To apply, students must complete the OTS-IRES application, including letters of recommendation, official transcripts from universities attended, and a statement of research interests.

Application Form ( 166 kb )

Disciplinary Focus

The primary goal of the recruitment and selection process is to establish a diverse and talented group of researchers representing a broad range of research interests. OTS-IRES program will start with students interested in tropical dry forest ecology, freshwater wetlands and water resources who have excellent academic records.

What does the IRES award cover?

The OTS IRES award covers the cost of room and board for up to 10 weeks and international travel to and from Costa Rica. Participants will also receive a stipend of $350 per week to help cover living expenses and costs of field equipment. 

Applications

Applications will be evaluated in order of the date of submission completion (all parts of application received) and acceptance to the program will be announced on a rolling admissions basis. All applicants must send an official hard copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, but advance copies may be sent electronically to facilitate the application process.